Avery Dennison makes Labelexpo product announcements

‘Up to now we have had to import these products from outside India with three month lead times and with import duties and transport costs,’ says Darren Milligan, senior marketing director, South Asia Pacific & Sub-Saharan Africa at Avery Dennison. ‘So as well as better availability, these clear-on-clear products will also be more cost effective.’

At a press conference on the opening day of Labelexpo India, Anil Sharma, VP/GM South Asia Pacific and Sub Saharan Africa, Avery Dennison, confirmed a healthy growth in value as Indian consumers seek premium products across all categories. This is likely to feed the demand for clear-on-clear, as well as conformable films and OPP labels for food and beverages which the company also showcased. 

Sharma said future pressure-sensitive growth in the Indian market would be driven by the growth of organised retail which required more efficient automated packaging lines.

‘Other key trends include more legislation, which requires more information on the package and in multiple languages, particularly in markets like agro-chemicals. ‘

For these types of extended content label applications, Avery Dennison launched at the show its clever Photo-reactive adhesive technology, a single pass alternative to more complex pattern adhesive/adhesive deadening techniques.  

The technique is based on using UV light to transform adhesive from permanent to removable. A black graphic - or ‘shadow mask’ - is first printed on the backside of the liner. This allows the adhesive properties to be irreversibly modified by UV light. The area under the mask remains permanent while the exposed area becomes removable, allowing a peel and read label, for example, to be produced.

Another interesting launch at the show was a new smart label, the TT Sensor Plus, a time/temperature indicator which writes to an NFC chip powered by an on-board battery, allowing monitoring of perishable goods through the supply chain. 

The press conference went on to discuss the specific work of Avery Dennison India, particularly with regards to sustainability.

Sharma said the company has programs to reduce CO2 emissions and enhance energy consumption. ‘Another important part of sustainability is the Avery Dennison Foundation which works with the local community, and our Knowledge Center where we are training young people to enter the company.’

Avery Dennison in India is working increasingly closely on sustainability efforts with industry association LMAI, and is looking at a pilot liner recycling program. The LMAI is also supporting the student development program.

Pankaj Bhardwaj, commercial director Avery Dennison India, said much R&D is undertaken locally to meet the specific requirements of Indian converters and brand owners. 

An example is the new Case tamper evident label launched at the show. The smooth white semi-gloss paper has a special top coating which changes color when it comes into contact with clear adhesive tape. This provides a visible warning that shipped goods have been unlawfully accessed. Typically an attacker would cut the sealing tape on a box to steal or substitute products, then reseal the case with a clear tape. 

Avery Dennison’s India R&D center has also developed an adhesive able to resist chemicals found in perfume products - very important for the key health and beauty market.   

Moving on from labeling products, Avery Dennison announced that its new line of plate mounting tapes - launched in Labelexpo Chicago - will now be available in India. ‘The Fas-Flex tapes make full use of Avery Dennison’s industrial tapes expertise,’ said Darren Milligan. ‘This product allows presses to run faster and with easy repositionability, which improves productivity.